Washington, DC — Today the Rita Allen Foundation is joining News Match — the largest-ever grassroots campaign to strengthen nonprofit journalism across the United States — to expand support for science reporting on issues like health, the environment and energy. As part of the effort, the Rita Allen Foundation will offer an additional $5,000 match to 10 nonprofit newsrooms that specialize in trustworthy and critical science journalism — a $50,000 total commitment.

As part of News Match, more than 100 organizations are eligible to receive up to $28,000 each in matching funding for all individual donations up to $1,000. Donors can contribute between now and December 31st at www.newsmatch.org — the first one-stop platform for donating to nonprofit news. Donations can also be made directly to participating newsrooms.

“Now more than ever, the public is seeking trusted sources of information about issues that matter,” said Elizabeth Good Christopherson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rita Allen Foundation. “Together with our News Match partners, we are bolstering community support for robust nonprofit science news and innovative approaches to engagement.”

News Match 2017 was launched by Democracy Fund, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to support nonprofit news organizations that play a vital role informing the public and holding those in power accountable. The campaign matches individual donations to nonprofit news organizations and provides critical capacity-building support to increase individual giving to nonprofit news. Since its launch in October, News Match has welcomed five new foundations as partners and seen the announcement of more than 20 local challenge funds.

“Journalists and scientists share a deep concern for finding the truth and sharing it. Strong science journalism inspires wonder and awe, inviting people into the most important discoveries of our time,” said Josh Stearns, Associate Director of the Public Square Program at Democracy Fund. “But on critical environmental and health issues facing our nation, science journalism is what holds civic and corporate leaders accountable and empowers communities to protect themselves.”

The Rita Allen Foundation has long been a champion of trustworthy and transformative ideas to strengthen our democracy. By joining News Match the Foundation is not only helping to support science journalism, but also encouraging others to do so as well.

All news organizations participating in News Match are members in good standing of the Institute for Nonprofit News. To be a member, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor, must be transparent about funding sources, and produce investigative and/or public-service reporting. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Visit newsmatch.org for more information.

Contact

Molly Sharlach, Rita Allen Foundation609-683-8010ms@ritaallen.org

About the Rita Allen Foundation

The Rita Allen Foundation invests in transformative ideas in their earliest stages to leverage their growth and promote breakthrough solutions to significant problems. It enables early-career biomedical scholars to do pioneering research, seeds innovative approaches to fostering informed civic engagement, and develops knowledge and networks to build the effectiveness of the philanthropic sector. Throughout its work, the Foundation embraces collaboration, creativity, learning and leadership.